The Children's Trust Honors One of Miami-Dade Parks' Finest with Coveted ‘Champions for Children Award'

Youth leader recognized for 'Excellence in Direct Service to Children & Families'

(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- The Children's Trust announced Daryl Miller, Leisure Lake Park Manager for the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department (MDPR), as a recipient of their 2010 Champions for Children Award for Excellence in Direct Service for Children and Families at their awards ceremony on November 19, 2010 at Jungle Island in Miami.

"This prestigious recognition is truly well deserved," said MDPR Director Jack Kardys. "During his twelve years of service with the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department, Daryl has consistently demonstrated himself to be a true leader, who genuinely cares about kids and is committed to creating programs that will enhance their lives."

The Children's Trust chose Miller for this award as an acknowledgement of his selfless dedication in the direct service of children. As park manager of Leisure Lake Park, Miller oversees a number of recreational facilities, as well as the Fit to Play: Health, Wellness and Obesity Prevention Out-Of-School Program, in conjunction with Michelle Obama's "Let's Move Campaign," and summer camp programs for children in the Goulds area. His leadership serves to ensure that hundreds of youngsters are safe, well-supervised and engaged in enriching activities that promote education, healthy habits and nutrition. In his dedicated approach, he maintains strong relationships with staff, parents and caregivers, and the community; collaborating his efforts with such public and civic organizations as Beatrice Pesko Elementary School in Leisure City, CAA Head Start and the Goulds Community Action Agency. A coach and mentor, known for his disciplined approach, Miller has encouraged hundreds of children, to pursue academic and professional excellence.

In its sixth year, The Children's Trust Champions for Children annual awards spotlight individuals and programs that have achieved greatness in their service to children and families. The award is among the most coveted within the child advocacy community. The Children's Trust is a division of Miami-Dade County and was established to make strategic investments in the futures of children and families.

The 2010 Champions for Children Award recipients include: David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award: Jean Caceres-Gonzalez, Founder and Executive Director of His House Children's Home; David Lawrence Jr. Champion for Children Award: Sister Lucia Ceccotti, Founder and Executive Director of Marion Center School & Services; Excellence in Public Policy: Senator Rudy Garcia, Member of the Florida Legislature; Excellence in Direct Service for Children and Families: Daryl Miller, Leisure Lake Park Manager for Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation Department; Excellence in School Readiness Programming: University of Miami Linda Ray Intervention Center, Project Hand n' Hand; Excellence in Youth Programming for School and Life Success: Thomas Armour Youth Ballet; and Excellence in Health Family or Community Services: The Children of Inmates Service Partnership.